Brief
Queensland parliament debates bill that could strip prisoners of human‑rights protections
The proposal, introduced by Corrective Services Minister Laura Gerber, would limit prisoners' ability to raise human‑rights complaints, sparking concern from legal groups and the Ombudsman.
By Felo News Desk · Published
On Monday, the Queensland Parliament heard testimony on a bill introduced by Corrective Services Minister Laura Gerber that would effectively remove human‑rights safeguards for all prisoners, including those on life sentences and those on remand.
What happened
The bill, described by the parliamentary committee as a "breach bail, go to jail" measure, would require prisoners serving life sentences to meet additional criteria before being considered for parole. More broadly, the legislation would prevent inmates from invoking human‑rights protections under the Corrective Services Act, even for non‑violent offences or remand cases.
What the reports add
The SMH article notes that the clause would affect roughly 12,500 prisoners in Queensland, removing their ability to complain to the Human Rights Commissioner Debbie Platz or to raise arguments in court about alleged breaches. A written submission from the Queensland Human Rights Commission warned that the change would also impact people seeking to contact or visit prisoners. Acting assistant commissioner Natalie Smith said the department’s own policies already include a principle of “humane containment of prisoners” and cited oversight by the Inspector of Detention Services and the Ombudsman.
What was said
Acting prisons commissioner Jon Peach told the committee that he could not confirm whether he or his predecessor Paul Stewart had requested the amendment, citing cabinet confidentiality. He responded to a question from Maiwar Greens MP Michael Berkman. Natalie Smith added, “So it’s woven through all of our policies, and there remain safeguards in the Inspector of Detention Services and the Ombudsman, which will continue to, I guess, promote human rights and compatibility with international human rights conventions for prisoners.” The article also records criticism from the Human Rights Commission and the acting Ombudsman Anthony Reilly, though neither appeared before the hearing.
How it came about
The proposal follows a broader push by the Crisafulli government to tighten bail conditions, which could increase the number of people held on remand. Earlier reporting by Felo News on the reopening of Dawn de Loas Correctional Centre highlighted the state’s growing prison capacity challenges, providing context for why the government is seeking stricter controls.
Key facts
- The bill would remove human‑rights safeguards for all 12,500 prisoners in Queensland. (smh.com.au)
- Corrective Services Minister Laura Gerber introduced the legislation. (smh.com.au)
- Acting prisons commissioner Jon Peach declined to confirm if he or predecessor Paul Stewart requested the amendment. (smh.com.au)
- Human Rights Commissioner Debbie Platz and acting Ombudsman Anthony Reilly criticized the proposal. (smh.com.au)
- Acting assistant commissioner Natalie Smith said existing policies already include a principle of humane containment. (smh.com.au)
Sources
- [1] smh.com.au — originally reported as “Public Circus: Prisoners are set to be carved from human rights law. Who asked for it?”
